It is farmers market time in Southeast Idaho and it is a great time to buy some fresh flowers to add to your summer decor. Farmers markets are taking place right now locally in both Idaho Falls and Pocatello. (Old Town Pocatello , Pine Ridge Mall, and Grand Teton Mall). What a great way to enjoy the season and decorate on a budget! If you have flowers in your own yard, you can save even more money and feel a sense of pride knowing you did your own flower arranging with your very own flowers.
When you go to pick or choose some fresh flowers you will want to select flowers that look fresh, have blossoms that have no brown on them. Look at the petals and leaves and make sure they are not weathered or curled. The stems should be sturdy and the whole flower should be crisp and not limp in any way.
Make sure the flowers are freshly cut and have been kept in water. If a flower has been stressed it will shorten the life of your flower arrangement. While transporting the flowers home, try to keep them as cool as possible and out of direct sunlight. Keeping the flowers and the finished arrangement cool will prolong the life of your arrangement.
Following are the steps to a fresh floral arrangement:
- Begin with a clean vase. Fill the vase 2/3 full of water and if desired add a wet foam brick made for fresh flower arranging.
- You can add a preservative to extend the life of the flowers, here is a homemade recipe.
- Remove an additional inch and a half of the stems so the flowers can absorb water. Cut the stems diagonally with a very sharp knife under lukewarm running water.
Keep the following in mind as you arrange your flowers:
- You can begin the arrangement with a layer of green leaves like lemon grass or ferns (available at greenhouses and some of the super stores like Fred Meyer). If these are not available or you do not want to purchase, then just use your flowers.
- Make the height of the arrangement higher than the width.
- Position the largest, main flowers in the center of the arrangement and slightly lower than the center to give the arrangement weight and balance.
- Fill in with filler flowers like Babies Breath, Daisies, Carnations, Mums, etc., maintaining a triangular shape to the over all arrangement.
Remember to put fresh water in your arrangement daily to extend the life of your arrangement. Keep the arrangement cool to further extend its life. I would love to see your arrangements and post some in a future article. Please send me your photos at alesha@aechurba-design.com. Remember to list your name and your location too so I can post them with your photo. Looking forward to seeing your masterpieces.
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